For the sixth time in the past 16 years, Rutgers is looking for a new basketball coach. In the wake of Mike Rice’s firing Wednesday, the school will look for a calming influence — and someone capable of reviving a dormant program that will move to the Big Ten starting in 2014. The search process hasn’t officially started yet, but there are plenty of names on Rutgers’ radar.

Dan Hurley
The former Seton Hall and St. Anthony High star certainly understands the culture at both the school (where he served as an assistant) and in the state (in which he coached St. Benedict’s Prep). College seasoning is a concern, but he is a rising star in the coaching ranks and his asking price — he makes in the neighborhood of $500,000 as the Rhode Island coach — would be reasonable.

John Giannini
After nine years as LaSalle’s coach, he’s an overnight sensation, with his coaching stock on the rise after leading the Explorers to the Sweet 16 this year. The 50-year-old also coached Rowan to the Division 3 national title in 1996. So he has Jersey ties.

Fran Dunphy
A few strikes against him. He’s perceived as a Philly lifer after coaching 17 years at Penn and the last five at Temple, and he would be 65 before Rutgers plays its first game next season. But he’s a well-respected coach with no baggage. Those are two essential qualities for the next Rutgers coach.
Mick Cronin
Can he be pried away from Cincinnati, where he is 204-123 for seven years and makes approximately $1.25 million a year? Yes, if he wants to coach in the Big Ten instead of whatever the league is that the Bearcats will be playing in obscurity.
Eddie Jordan
The former Rutgers star was in the mix during the last go-around, opting to stay in the NBA instead. He’s an assistant with the Lakers now, and has nine years of experience as an NBA head coach. But is he ready, willing or eager to move to the college ranks — and to the mess that his alma mater has become?